Wound Care Basics: Cleaning, Dressing and Spotting Infection

Why good wound care matters

Most minor cuts, grazes and scrapes heal well at home with simple care. Looking after a wound properly helps it heal faster and reduces the chance of infection. Knowing the basics, and recognising when something is going wrong, can save a lot of trouble later.

Cleaning a minor wound

For everyday cuts and grazes:

• Wash your hands before touching the wound
• Stop any bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth
• Rinse the wound under clean running water to remove dirt and debris
• Gently pat the surrounding skin dry
• Avoid using antiseptic so strong it irritates the skin; clean water is usually enough

If there is grit or debris you cannot remove, or the wound is deep, seek medical help.

Dressing the wound

• Cover the wound with a sterile, non-stick dressing or plaster
• Change the dressing if it becomes wet or dirty
• Keep the area clean and, where advised, dry
• For larger or weeping wounds, a pharmacist can recommend a suitable dressing

Keeping a wound covered in the early stages protects it from dirt and bacteria while it begins to heal.

Spotting the signs of infection

Most wounds heal without problems, but watch for signs that bacteria may have taken hold:

• Increasing redness spreading from the wound
• Warmth, swelling or throbbing pain that worsens rather than improves
• Pus or unpleasant-smelling discharge
• A high temperature or feeling generally unwell
• Red streaks spreading away from the wound

A spreading skin infection like cellulitis is a recognised complication. You can learn more in our guide to bacterial infections explained.

When antibiotics come in

Minor wounds rarely need antibiotics, and keeping a wound clean is usually all that is required. If a wound becomes infected, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacteria. Medicines such as those in our Amoxicillin guide and the broader antibiotics range are among the options a clinician might consider for a confirmed infection.

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not the wound itself, and they will not speed up healing of an uninfected cut. Using them only when genuinely needed, and finishing any prescribed course, helps limit antibiotic resistance explained.

When to seek medical help

See a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if:

• The wound is deep, gaping, or will not stop bleeding
• It was caused by a dirty or rusty object, an animal or human bite
• There is something embedded that you cannot remove
• You notice signs of infection
• Your tetanus vaccination may not be up to date

Get urgent care for heavy bleeding that does not stop, numbness, or a wound that exposes deeper tissue.

Helping wounds heal well

Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and follow any advice from your healthcare professional. People with conditions such as diabetes should take extra care, as wounds can heal more slowly and need closer monitoring.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.